Homing endonuclease I-SceI bound to
DNA

front view

back view

Research Objectives

Research in the lab is dedicated to expanding our work
in
modulation of DNA repair. We are interested in mechanisms whereby
alternative forms of homologous recombination can lead to large-scale
genomic alteration. These processes are of particular importance in
relation to the development of secondary malignancies after cancer
treatment. Determining factors that influence these pathways may
additionally enable efficient genetic manipulation of mammalian cells
and thereby facilitate reversal or prevention of disease.

Michael is a graduate student through the Micro Department.
He is studying chromosomal sub-structure in real-world people
and genetic components of underlying genomic stability.

Undergrads

Erica Williamson

Tiffany
Taylor

Erica and Tiffany are currently doing undergraduate research projects in the lab.

Former Lab Members

Pam Thompson

Pam was our senior research technician for two years.
She is now doing clinical cytogenetics for the hospital.

Abby Cornette

Abby did her fourth-year undergraduate research project
with us. She initiated using RNA-interference to knock down expression
of interesting genes.

Alex Wilson

Alex was a summer outreach student for two months. His
project
in that time was to clone a gene, with suitable site-directed
mutagenesis, from a bacterial genome into a mammalian expression
vector. Success! Alex is currently continuing his studies at Transylvania University
here in
Lexington.

People we forgot to get pictures of...

Other undergrads that got some hands-on research experience: Sara Wheeler, Mathew Ruwaya and Andrea Asher.